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When it was reported that people who were not his disciples were driving out demons in his name, Jesus did not try to stop them, or get them to join his group, but told his disciples "whoever is not against us is for us." Can we acknowledge gifts of others for ministry without needing them to conform to our own theological views or become members of our own church?

The Letter of James asks where the wars and conflicts among us come from, and then the Gospel describes an argument the disciples had about who was the greatest among them. To follow Jesus we need to serve one another in a spirit of true humility.

The persecution of the early community forced it to spread out and to preach the Good News not only to Jews, but to Greeks as well, and great numbers became Christians. In the same way, our lives need to expand the witnessing of the Good News so that it reaches everyone.

Jesus says, "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved," and he lets in a lot of people who are not like us. Are there people that we would not let in?

God gave the prophet Isaiah "a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." We need more of this gift today.

The prophet Isaiah tried and thought he failed, but then was promised that by God's hand he would become a light to the nations. God can use each of us in this task, not because of our greatness, but because of God's.

In the first reading we hear the Ten Commandments. The 5th Commandment is Thou Shall Not Kill. We need to re-embrace this commandment today.

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3,11-32) we learn of the absolute certainty of God's mercy for us. If you are in doubt, read this parable again.

Fr. James Marchionda, OP breaks open the readings for the first Sunday of Lent where we hear of Jesus's temptation in the desert, where he was tempted to give up up on God. That is the basic temptation, and Jesus refused to let go of God. Can we hold on to our own faith as well, whatever hardships and challenges come our way?

When Jesus's disciples were criticized for not following the Mosaic law, he challenged people to seek God with their hearts rather than through the law. Seeking God with our whole hearts will lead us to a much deeper faith than following any prescription of the law.

People came to Jesus and were healed by simply touching the tassel of his cloak. This need is still with us today, so may we be channels of Jesus' healing for all we encounter.

Jesus regularly ate with tax collectors and sinners to bring them forgiveness. Can we see ourselves as sinners, equally in need of this forgiveness, so that we might dine with him?